HC Deb 29 October 1970 vol 805 c400
16. Mr. Cronin

asked the Minister of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the efficiency of torpedoes supplied to submarines and other ships of the Royal Navy.

Mr. Kirk

As I made clear in my answer to a Question from the hon. Member for Portsmouth, West (Mr. Judd) on 24th July, the torpedoes in service with the Royal Navy are fully effective.—[Vol. 804, c. 244–5.]

Mr. Cronin

In view of the disclosures of recent serious defects which came to light during the past year, will the Minister make sure that there are regular and careful checks of the Royal Navy's armament in future?

Mr. Kirk

We are doing that. All the defective detonators are being replaced. They are practically complete.

Mr. John Morris

Will the Minister personally consider the effectiveness of the whole administration of torpedoes?

Mr. Kirk

I absolutely agree that our inheritance here was the most shocking in all the fields of defence, and I am considering it.